This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel on the Indian Pacific on a transcontinental journey following the footsteps of legendary adventurers, gold rush prospectors and bush pioneers, explore Rottnest Island’s unique flora, fauna & culture and
✓ 3 nights on board the Indian Pacific on a Gold Twin cabin (upgrades available). All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
✓ 4 days Hertz car hire group H, Toyota Corolla or similar. Includes unlimited kilometers & Hertz Maximum Coverage (NIL damage excess including glass & tyres and waives liability for theft or loss to vehicle)
✓ 7 night's accommodation in 4 star hotels
✓ 17 meals throughout
✓ Day cruise & tour to Rottnest Island
✓ Full day culinary guided tour of Margaret River
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information.
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Sydney! On arrival, make your way to your hotel.
From Sydney Airport (SYD) to the city there are a few options: the Sydney Airport Link Train runs frequently and takes approximately 15 minutes. Ride-share options cost around AU$35 to Sydney's CBD.
Hotel check-in is from 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in the hotel's storage.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Sydney.
Your transcontinental adventure begins in Sydney where you board The Indian Pacific. Prepare for a journey of contrasts, from lush vineyards to vast goldmines, majestic mountains to the barren expanse of the Nullarbor, from cities of four million to ghost towns of four.
As the train winds through the breathtaking Blue Mountains, explore the comforts of life onboard, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. After settling in, savour your first meal – a regionally-inspired dinner paired with all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
After dinner, join fellow guests for a late night drink or head back to your cabin for your first night onboard.
This morning, the train arrives into the ‘Silver City’ of Broken Hill as the day begins.
Today, you will you embark on a morning of 'Off Train Excursions' to discover the mining history and artistic culture of this unique town where the streets are wide and there’s a pub on every corner.
Lunch is served onboard as The Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the spectacular and ancient Flinders Ranges.
Arriving in the city of Adelaide in the afternoon, you have the choice of a tour of the city, a visit to the world famous Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine regions (seasonal), or a trip to the beautiful Adelaide Hills featuring the culinary delights of Hahndorf.
You’ll awake to the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain.
Breakfast is served as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world.
This evening, your sense of wonder will be ignited as you enjoy the tranquillity of dinner under the brilliant desert stars in the remote and beautiful Rawlinna (seasonal).
Breakfast is served as you glide through the mild skies and cool green vales of the Avon Valley on your way to Perth, arriving after an onboard lunch.
Upon arrival into East Perth Train Station, make your way to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board the Rottnest Express ferry to Rottnest Island, located 22km offshore. Then explore the beauty and tranquility of Rottnest as you sit back and relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach. This 90-minute circumnavigation of the island takes you out to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End and provides you with a complete interpretation of the island through a passionate and knowledgeable crew. This tour will provide you with an insight into Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage, diverse wildlife and fauna and social heritage. You will also have a chance to step outside and have a stroll along the boardwalk at the majestic look-out point at West End.
Today collect your vehicle from Avis Downtown Depot and drive to Margaret River- one of Australia's largest wine regions. With more than 200 vineyards, Margaret River produces more than 25% of Australia’s premium wine.
Approximate distance driven: 270km, 3.5hrs
Today enjoy a guided Margaret River wine experiencing the region’s amazing food, wine and culture. Yo will be collected from your accommodation at approximately 9.30am and get the day started with a coffee tasting at a local roaster before heading to your first boutique winery experience for the day. Experience first hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oils before enjoying a relaxing lunch and cleansing ale at a local brewery. The afternoon will see you two cellar doors including a cheese & wine pairing. Finish off the day with a visit to a chocolate factory to indulge in all things cocoa.
Today is free for you to continue exploring the area. If wine is the name of the game, take your time to explore some of the 90 cellar doors in the region.
Alternatively, exploring the caving system is also a popular activity in Margaret River. It is difficult to choose the best cave. You can marvel at the reflections on Lake Cave’s permanent lake, be dwarfed in Jewel Cave’s enormous chambers and take it easy on the Mammoth Cave self- guided tour. At Yallingup’s Ngilgi Cave, you will learn the Aboriginal legend as you look up at limestone shawl formations– or delve deeper into the cave on an adventure tour. Cave opening hours and tours start from 9am and finish between 4pm and 5pm. Entry fee is approximately $22.50 per adult.
If travelling between late July and August, you want to consider a cruise to witness the mighty Humpback on their migration path. This tour departs from Augusta, 50km south of Margaret River
Start the last driving leg of your trip.
On the way north, you may want to stop at Busselton Jetty. This 150+ year old timber jetty stretches 1.84km into the Geographe Bay - making it the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you walk to the end or take the jetty train, make sure to check out the Underwater Observatory for a glimpse of the sea life that inhabits this artificial environment.
Further north, you may want to pay a visit to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, in Bunbury. Walk down to the “interaction zone” for an opportunity to say to the many dolphins that visit this bay all year round. There is no entrance fee but please make sure you follow the instructions of dolphin volunteers
If you’re feeling peckish, you may want to explore Bunbury Farmers market, which opens daily from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Approximate driving distance: 278 km - 4hrs
Today your Indian Pacific adventure comes to an end in Fremantle.
Check-out & departure information
Hotel check out is at 11am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Today you can return your vehicle at the Airport depot.
Click HERE for more information on the Indian Pacific train
Gold Service (Included)
Platinum Service - From $2,440 per person additional
Please note: Due to heavy demand Platinum cabins are sold out on all departures for 2024.
Platinum Service promises and delivers a journey beyond expectations, it includes deluxe extras such as Platinum Transfers, access to the Platinum Club plus a superior food and wine offering.
Platinum cabins are almost twice the size of Gold Twin Cabins in both your room and private en suite. By day your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe lounge seating, a table and two ottomans, by night the lounges convert into two comfortable twin beds.
From an additional $2,440 per person and is subject to availability upon booking.
Please note, there are no single rooms in the Platinum category
The Indian Pacific offers a range of included off train experiences which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Off Train Experiences are included in your fare and can be booked on boarding the train (no pre-booking available).
Optional tours offered are paid. These optional activities are paid directly to The Indian Pacific on board (no pre-booking available)
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $313 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $230 per person (two people booking) or $460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST),
Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver, Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or(g)
loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only.
Please note:
Gold Service - Available in twin configuration only. If selecting double upon check out, this configuration will only apply to your hotel accommodation.
Platnium Service - Available in double or twin configuration
Single Supplement on the Indian Pacific
There is no single supplement for the Indian Pacific if utilising a Single Room. Single Rooms on the Indian Pacific are very limited and pricing is subject to availability. If the single cabins are not available at the time of booking, you will need to pay for a twin cabin at an additional cost of approx $2,700 for a Gold Twin in addition to the package price. This price is subject to change and as such, cannot be confirmed until after a booking has been made. If you are not happy with the price of the single supplement provided, you can request to cancel and receive a refund of your deposit. If the single supplement cost is suitable, this will be added to your invoice and part of the final balance payable. For an indicative cost prior to purchase, you are welcome to contact our Customer Service team.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $313 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $230 per person (two people booking) or $460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Please note, this itinerary does operate in reverse on select dates. Please CLICK HERE to access the itinerary in the reverse order.
Were you looking for another departure date?
19 Feb 2023
The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan captures this charm perfectly. Stylish, well-appointed carriages and first-class service make for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable journey that is on many bucket lists. So, before you...
12 Jun 2022
Sure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island—or Rotto, as the locals call it—is a bit special A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of R...
14 Sep 2020
Forget the idea of dusty red earth as far as the eye can see, the Central Australian landscape offers an extraordinary chance to see unique plants and animals Five seasons in one year With very little rainfall each year (just 291 mm on average), it would be easy to assume that semi-arid Central Australia has only one s...
14 Sep 2020
The arrival of Europeans and tourists in Central Australia disrupted tens of thousands of years of Anangu history, but 150 years later, there’s a new appreciation for traditional wisdom For anyone planning to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time, there’s one thing you need to know about the experienc...
14 Sep 2020
Australia’s Top End, from the capital Darwin, across to Kakadu National Park and down to the Katherine area, is a land of unspoiled natural beauty waiting to be explored Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is simply enormous. While it may look modest on a map, the NT is almost six times the size of the United Kingdom...
